Crawford County, Missouri: USDA programs and conservation funding

581
Farms & Ranches
194K
Acres in Agriculture
334
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$12.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Soybeans, Equine
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Crawford County, Missouri has 581 farms working 194,055 agricultural acres (average 334 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $12.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

← Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Crawford County

Elevation across Crawford County averages about 889 feet. The county falls within the Ozark Highland (MLRA 116A) land resource region.

The growing season in Crawford County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 44.7 inches per year. January lows average around 21°F while July highs reach about 89°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 581 farms in Crawford County, operating across 194,055 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 334 acres. Top commodities include cattle, soybeans, and equine.


Quick Facts

RegionEast Central Missouri
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Soybeans, Horses, Poultry, Sheep, Floriculture

Current Conditions

Drought status: None (None).

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14

Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Crawford County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1050 E State Route 72 Ste 1, Rolla, MO 65401

(573) 364-2088

Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.

What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.


Programs for Crawford County Operations

Based on Crawford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Pasture improvement and rotational grazing systems are major conservation priorities on the challenging topography. Forest management practices help landowners balance timber production with wildlife habitat goals.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.


Local Conservation Priorities

Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.

How to find your county's priorities:

  • Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
  • Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
  • Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria

Adjacent Counties

Counties bordering Crawford County: Dent County, Missouri, Franklin County, Missouri, Gasconade County, Missouri, Iron County, Missouri, Phelps County, Missouri, and Washington County, Missouri. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Crawford County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.44
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.88
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Crawford County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.